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City Office: 515-832-9151 | Utility Office: 515-832-9141

City announces building inspection service guidelines in response to COVID-19

March 31, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 virus, the City of Webster City facilities are closed to the general public including the Inspection Department at City Hall.  Building Inspection Services has outlined the following guidelines to assist builders and developers in limiting interactions in the field during this time.

PERMITS: All permit applications are available online and applications continue to be required to be submitted electronically. You can find all the permit applications for Building and Trade Permits on the City website.

BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES: Building Inspection services will continue, with some restrictions in place to protect the safety of the public, our builder and contractor partners, and our employees.

General guidelines for all inspections:

  • When scheduling any inspection, call the Building Inspector, Cory Simpson, at 515-832-9139 (w) or 515-297-1305 (cell).
  • We will limit exposure to as few individuals on site as possible. We request that only the sub-contractor or General Contractor be present on site at the time of inspection. You will be asked basic health screening question(s) about the people on the job site.
  • Building Inspection Services staff may evaluate the risk before proceeding with any scheduled inspection. In order to follow State direction on social distancing, no more than 10 people in a group, with 6-8 feet of distance between people.

No Modifications: Inspections that will occur as normal:

  • Exterior footings, foundations, decks, accessory structures.
  • Residential and commercial projects where structure is unoccupied.
  • In general, any new unoccupied construction project or outside project where exposure can be limited.
  • Exterior sewer and groundwork
  • Unoccupied commercial and residential projects
  • Electrical service
  • Temporary electrical service

Modifications: Inspections that will be adjusted for public safety:

  • Interior residential/commercial where occupants are present will be determined on a case-by-case basis when inspection is requested. We will evaluate the health and safety issues and determine the best course of action. Depending on the project, photos, videos, live video or other documentation of the area may be considered to determine compliance.
  • High risk facilities such as hospitals, health care centers, day cares, or schools will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We will evaluate the health and safety issues and determine the best course of action. Depending on the project, photos, videos, live video or other documentation of the area may be considered to determine compliance.
  • All other projects that may pose a hazard from exposure to more than 10 or more individuals who pose a risk will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the project, photos, videos, live video or other documentation of the area may be considered to determine compliance.
  • Mechanical / Plumbing / Electrical health and safety issues including no heat, no water, no electrical will be evaluated and prioritized. We will work with subcontractors on limiting risk during inspections.
  • Inspections of appliance replacements such as furnaces and water heaters in single family dwellings will be suspended until further notice. The contractor may provide photos or other documentation of the work and email to Cory Simpson at csimpson@webstercity.com

We want all our citizens, staff, contractors and developers to get through this difficult time while still making positive progress in our community.  Stay safe and please follow the recommendations established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Hamilton County Health Department.

 

View the official press release.

Last modified: March 31, 2020

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